Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Avoid

If you have an allergy to methylprednisolone or any other part of this drug.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

If you have a bad infection.

Precautions

Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.

If you have been taking this drug for many weeks, talk with your doctor before stopping. You may want to slowly stop this drug.

Wear disease medical alert ID (identification).

Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.

Do not run out of this drug.

Avoid being near anyone with chickenpox or measles.

Do not take antacids within 2 hours of this drug.

If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This drug may raise blood sugar.

Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.

If you have glaucoma or cataracts, talk with your doctor.

If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor.

If you have soft, brittle bones (osteoporosis), talk with your doctor.

If you have stomach ulcers, talk with your doctor.

If you have TB (tuberculosis), talk with your doctor.

If you have a weak heart, talk with your doctor.

Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that you use this drug.

Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

Avoid beer, wine, or mixed drinks.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Side Effects

High blood sugar. This most often goes back to normal when drug is stopped.

Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.

Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

Feeling very tired, weak, or touchy; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this drug.

Trouble breathing.

A big weight gain.

Very upset stomach or throwing up.

Sudden change in eyesight.

If you have been exposed to chickenpox and have not had chickenpox or had a chickenpox vaccine.

Any rash.

Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.

Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.

Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.

Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.

Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.